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11 Sep 2012
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Melbourne, Australia
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Seeking info for two-up UK trip 2013
Hi,
My husband and I are planning a motorbike trip to the UK next year and I'm hoping for advice as have not planned an overseas trip like this before.
We would be looking at approx. 4-5 weeks which would have to fit around my university timetable so either mid year or end of the year. As it is a fairly short time I was thinking that hiring a bike would probably be easier than shipping my bike (Triumph Tiger 800). While we both ride, I think it would be more cost effective to go on one bike, so am thinking something like the Tiger 800 (yes, I am biased!) or Suzuki V-strom 650, or something similar, though happy to take on advice of those with experience!
I've never been to the Uk before so have no idea where to go what to do.
Any help or advice appreciated 
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11 Sep 2012
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HU Event Organiser
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Hertfordshire, UK
Posts: 220
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TanMcG
We would be looking at approx. 4-5 weeks which would have to fit around my university timetable so either mid year or end of the year.
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Would the end of May/beginning of June be too early for you? If not, perhaps you'd be interested in starting your trip at the HUBB UK event?
That aside, mid-year will give you a much better chance of reasonable weather.
What sort of things are you hoping to do/see? Give us more of a steer and I'm sure you'll get plenty of suggestions and recommendations.
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11 Sep 2012
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Thanks for the link, it looks like fun, but unfortunately I just checked exam/semester dates and would be looking at about mid June to end of July. What season would that be over there? This side of the world (Australia) it's quite wintry!
I'm not a real fan of busy touristy places, love the countryside and the coast, oh and would love to soak up some history with old buildings/castles, etc. My husband is a big fan of 'Time Team' so something archeological would be good to see. I really want to see a squirrel, but I get the impression that is probably not hard to do...? I don't know what the roads are like, but we have mainly ridden on sealed roads with a smattering of gravel so nothing too far off the beaten track would probably be better for us.
Any suggestions of good places to pick up a reliable bike at a reasonable price would also be appreciated.
Thanks in advance 
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11 Sep 2012
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HU Event Organiser
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Hertfordshire, UK
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That's a shame, but not to worry. Just a thought
June/July is mid-summer over here, although bear in mind that it'll still be a lot cooler (and potentially wetter) than your summers.
Unless you go seeking some off-road riding you won't have to worry about the roads. Tarmac all the way.
You'll find things of historical interest almost everywhere you go, but for the best of the medieval castles head for Wales and Scotland. I expect the Time Team website will give you lots of specific details on archaeological sites, many of which are open to the public.
With 4-5 weeks to play with, you'll have plenty of time to tour the whole of mainland Britain and maybe enough to see some of Ireland too.
I don't know of any motorcycle hire places from personal experience, but here's an illustration of how much a Triumph Tiger 800 might cost to hire. Not suggesting you necessarily use this company by the way - they're about 100 miles from London Heathrow airport.
Hope that helps.
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11 Sep 2012
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best place to see a squirrel would be Isle of Wight, most of the rest of England is infested with tree rats.
There are some in pine forests in Scotland.but not easy to see.
regards
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12 Sep 2012
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Location: Stoney Kincardineshire
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Archeology head to The Orkney Islands way up north. Coast line the west coast of Scotland is as good as it gets. Castle dotted around Scotland.
A touch biased to Scotland in this post its where I live, and I love it.
Roads are less busy, a nice mix of single track roads in the highlands and in the south the motorways to get you there.
Orkney is the home to SKarra Brae a neolithic settlement. Maes Howe probably a burial chamber but I cant remember. Lots of underground chambers you can get into and explore. There has been a dig taking place for the past couple of summers near The Stennes Standing Stones and Ring of Brodgar but you would need to check the actual dates.
Whisky tour in Scotland is great for the pillion but not so good for the rider.
What ever you decide its a great place.
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25 Sep 2012
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Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oldbmw
best place to see a squirrel would be Isle of Wight, most of the rest of England is infested with tree rats.
There are some in pine forests in Scotland.but not easy to see.
regards
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Not the only place, there is a red squirrel that comes past the caravan I am staying in near Alston in Cumbria, it is the first I have ever seen in England and yes they are much nicer than the grey tree rats usually seen.
The roads and scenery are fantastic around here to boot.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Endurodude
You could consider the lake district in the North West of England, which is lovely and has good riding roads. If you were to go there from Scotland, you could then head to North Wales and travel to Ireland via Anglesey. A lovely part of the UK.
History wise, there's so much to see. The UK's not huge compared to other countries (yes, I know the UK's not a country!) so there's lots of choice.
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I agree with this completely and would suggest using Mitchelin maps and following the green, scenic routes.
The one sticking point could be motorcycle insurance as I get the impression it is difficult for non-EU citizens to get it in the UK, I am sure it is possible but look into it first. You might also want to consider a plan B if the summer is as bad as this year which could involve a trip to Europe which is only a short hop away where it has been a lot nicer.
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24 Sep 2012
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End of May every year NW200 road racing in Northern Ireland, a 10/10 event.
Last year there were about 100 Australians at the event all on bikes, and it's free!
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25 Sep 2012
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Location: Dunedin, NZ
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Hi Tan - brilliant idea to ride around the UK
The organisation "English Heritage" which maintains many of our historic monuments and ruins offers a temporary pass for overseas visitors. If you plan to visit several locations you could save quite a bit (entry is normally £5-10 per person). However, do a pre-check on their web site as some places are free.
Overseas Visitor Pass Prices and Ordering Information | English Heritage
You don't have to order or decide now, simply buy on arrival or at one of the main heritage centres.
Petrol costs are soaring here - currently £1.40 per litre, so 1 bike will be cheaper but 2 will be easier (luggage etc). I'm used to riding my own bike so I know what I'd prefer 
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1 Oct 2012
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Thanks for the feedback and suggestions folks.
I am busily saving my $$ and continuing to follow up your leads! I feel a trip to the map shop is in order there is nothing quite like opening up and poring over a proper paper map!
I know what you mean about preferring to ride your own bike Phoenix, but I'm practicing being a pillion and its definitely not the same, but I find I do get to check out the scenery without having to concentrate, so not all bad. Except perhaps when you nod off in the sunshine and smash helmets with your hubby when you go through a bump... Oops 
Thanks for the thoughts walkabout. If there are two things that can ruin a ride its tourists and farm vehicles! Nothing like local knowledge!
Cheers
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3 Oct 2012
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If you need any local info for South/Mid Wales, ie Castles, Roman ruins, best beaches, nice routes, campsites, hotels, events you'd be interested in, etc give me a shout.
We have some stunning roads and scenery around here. Most parts of the UK are very picturesque if you stay off the motorways.
As has been said previously, it's not a big place in comparison to most, but has masses of historical sites and various places of interest.
For example, if your going to Stonehenge (Most people do) there are quite a few other places of interest very close like quite a few white horses (Chalk figures carved into the side of the local hills) Woodhenge which is apparently older than Stonehenge, Avebury, which is a local village set in the middle of a very large stone circle, and Glastonbury which are all close by.
Castles you will have so many to choose from you could fill your whole trip just visiting them.
If there's anything specif you need info on I'll do my best to help :-)
Wayne
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3 Oct 2012
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Canberra, Australia
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Sounds like a great trip I am really jealous. I am planning a trip to the UK and Ireland in 2017 when I can get long service leave as I want to do at least 6 months. I will ship my bike over. Hopefully by then I will have a Tiger 800.
I am going to London for a few days and then Ireland for a couple of weeks in June next year to attend a family gathering but unfortuanetly I wont be on a bike.
Good luck with your planning and I look forward to hearing about the trip when you are there as it will give me ideas for when I get over there on my bike.
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4 Oct 2012
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Sorry a bit  but I'm currently in Colombia on-route from Buenos Aires to NYC and have also ridden from home (UK) to India and back a couple of years ago but never done an extened trip around my home country!!! Better put it on the list 
Cheers
Pete
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25 Oct 2012
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Hi TanMcG,
My wife and I have just got back from 7 weeks in the UK and Europe. Like yourselves, we both usually ride our own bikes but for travelling overseas one bike is a lot more practical -- plus she gets to enjoy the view rather than concentrating on the road!
We have previously hired motorbikes (USA and NZ) and sent our own bike to NZ (absolutely disastrous and would never consider this option again). This time we purchased a BMW R1150GS - same as my bike here - in the UK with the assistance of Chris at welovebikes1@aol.com. This turned out to be an excellent option for us and WAY cheaper than hiring. I understand you would need insurance if going to the continent but you MAY be able to get away without it if staying in the UK -- your risk, though. We managed to get insurance OK but in the end, it was never asked for or checked.
We live in northern Victoria and would be happy to discuss with you anything that may help you in planning your trip.
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